TONY Smith is confident Hull KR will find it hard to stop his Warrington Wolves team.

The Robins ‘put the cleaners’ through Wolves with a 36-10 win in east Hull in June, and Smith says that means Warrington will not be underestimating Saturday’s Challenge Cup semi final opponents.

Wolves’ head of coaching and rugby believes his side are hitting form at the right time ahead of the clash at Headingley, kick off 12.45pm.

“They put the cleaners through us only a matter of five or six weeks ago,” said Smith.

“That’s still fresh in our memories, so we’re well aware of the dangers they can bring and we need to make sure we’re ready for all that.

“Last time they got us and got us fair and square, whereas this time we’ll be going into it with our eyes wide open, better prepared and probably in some better form now.”

Smith does not expect the presence of Hull KR assistant Willie Poching, formerly at Wolves, to hand the Middle 8s-bound side any advantage.

“We all know enough about each other’s teams these days, so I don’t think there is anything Willie could suggest that could stop us if we are on the money,” he added.

“He knows some of our strengths and weaknesses but so do most other coaches by now.

“When you play your strengths pretty well and keep your weaknesses at bay it’s hard to stop a team like my team.

“They are in good form at the moment. They’ve been building up for this stage of the season and there’s some confidence in the team, but we won’t get carried away with it.

“There’s still a lot to play for and it’s about applying yourself to do the job on the day.”

The Wire will train on the Headingley pitch on Friday, something Smith said the club are very grateful to Leeds Rhinos for, and spend the night in a local hotel.

Matty Russell, out for at least six weeks with an ankle injury, and Ben Westwood, suspension, will not be part of the squad, with Smith suggesting Stefan Ratchford will drop to full back and Gary Wheeler or Rhys Evans will play in the centres.

Evans returned to action with a try in partner club North Wales Crusaders’ defeat to Oldham last weekend.

Kevin Penny is another option, he and Joe Philbin missed out from Wolves’ 19-man squad in the win at Castleford on Sunday.

Sam Wilde impressed with a first Super League try and Smith has confidence in the teenager.

“I’ve got every bit of confidence in him,” said Smith. “He’s a terrific young player. I’ve made plenty of it and probably more than I should for the sake of the kid.

“I really like him and think He’s got a huge future ahead if he keeps his feet on the ground and doesn’t listen to all his coach’s comments in public!

“Joe’s probably had a mixed season with injury. It’s been really stop start for him and difficult to get some match time under his belt.

“He’s a player I admire a whole lot and could have a big future as long as we can get him regular rugby.

“Joel returning from injury was probably a tough call on Kev to some degree, but we’ve still got Joel ahead in terms of the pecking order.”